Distance learning has many advantages. One of them is the price. In general it is cheaper than the alternative, rendering access to quality education much easier for many. For some, this is not sufficient. While online degree programs do not have attached costs such as rent, books, transport, food, lost income, and what is most important for some, socializing, is is possible to find grants and scholarships for them. While obtaining grants for college to pay for an online education is less easy than for other forms of education, they do exist. This is due to the fact that some educational institutions and organizations understand that those choosing to attend online college classes may need to sacrifice deferred income, or simply do not wish to move away from home. They react by supporting this choice by providing grants and scholarships.
One of the options will be described to illustrate the options available to student. It is called the Edinburgh Global Distance Learning Scholarship which is offered by the University of Edinburgh for Masters students. The total support provided adds up to GBP5000. It is highly competitive, but may be applied for a wide range of Masters degrees. Among the subjects supported are humanities and social sciences such as law, history, clinical education, and pain management. Lime many scholarships, the one for these online degree programs is very competitive, and must be applied for before the start of the academic year. There are also certain geographic limitations, as only nationals of certain Asian, and African countries may apply. The countries cited are principally developing countries. It also depends exclusively on academic merit, unlike others which take into account the applicant’s financial need.
This is only one example. There are many other opportunities out there, far fewer than those for studies physically at a further education institution.